Best Metroidvanias On the PlayStation 5, Ranked

While multiplayer video games have become a dominant fixture in gaming, the Metroidvania genre has grown to become a favorite for many single-player gamers. These immersive games have become a popular choice among indie developers. Their simple graphics, action gameplay, and fantastical worlds provide unique possibilities for storytelling and creativity. Metroidvanias are pure gaming experiences.

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The genre was originally defined by the classic Metroid and Castlevania series of games. Common traits of the genre are fast combat, challenging boss fights, expansive exploration of an interconnected map, items or abilities that unlock areas and require backtracking, and collectible items. PS5 players have access to some of the best Metroidvanias on the market, from genre classics, to indie hits, and experimental gems.

10 Castlevania Requiem: Symphony Of The Night & Rondo Of Blood

Experience The Beginnings Of The Genre

• Metacritic Score: 74

Why have one Castlevania when you can have two? Castlevania Requiem brings two classic Castlevania releases in one package. Offering two pivotal moments of the Metroidvania genre, the game brings these classics to the PlayStation audience. Rondo of Blood was a taste of what was to come, while Symphony of the Night is widely regarded as one of the genre's defining games — and a high point in the series.

Originally made for the PlayStation Portable, the presentation for the PS4 version is simplistic at best. However, PS5 players will still enjoy this nostalgic trip into the past and experience the beginnings of a gaming genre juggernaut.

9 Sundered: Eldritch Edition

A Visual & Artistic Treat

• Metacritic Score: 74

For fans of Metroidvanias, Sundered is a high-quality addition to the genre that blends fast-paced action and stunning visuals. The movement in the game can feel almost chaotic and requires practice to perfect. Enemies can spawn randomly and come thick and fast, quickly overwhelming players if they are not careful.

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The work of HP Lovecraft heavily influences the game, and it uses cosmic horror elements throughout to great effect. Players control Eshe, who is pulled into a strange crumbling civilization by the mysterious entity known as the Shining Trapezohedron. While Sundered’s visuals and combat are fun aspects of the game, its procedurally generated pathways and random enemy encounters can slow exploration and pacing. However, genre fans will love this vibrant and worthy addition to any Metroidvania collection.

8 Axiom Verge 2

A Solid Retro-Style Metroidvania

• Metacritic Score: 76

Axiom Verge 2 follows billionaire Indra Chaudhari as she travels to Antarctica searching for her missing daughter. Upon arrival, she is soon transported to another reality named Kiengir. This multidimensional world is filled with robot enemies and mysterious, powerful beings.

Axiom Verge 2 takes a lot of influence from classic games and uses a stunning pixel-art visual style. Fans of retro gaming will love the nostalgic presentation of the game, further proving modern graphics aren’t always necessary. Experienced Metroidvania players will feel right at home in Axiom Verge 2, with its emphasis on exploration, challenging enemies, and collectible power-up items.

7 Blasphemous

A Bloody & Macabre Adventure Through Religious Extremism

• Metacritic Score: 77

Blasphemous takes the powerful religious iconography of Catholicism and pushes it to even more blood-soaked extremes in this challenging and addictive Metroidvania. One of the most well-renowned additions to the genre, players control The Penitent One, a religious warrior on a pilgrimage through the land of Cvstodia.

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As players explore, they will discover a myriad of enemies, NPCs, and boss fights, as well as new abilities and items to help on the journey. Blasphemous sits very much in the Soulslike tradition, where perseverance is required to complete the game. While this may put off a wider audience, fans of challenging games will love the brutal and bloody combat Blasphemous provides.

6 Ghost Song

An Atmospheric Indie Metroidvania

• Metacritic Score: 79

Ghost Song is another example of a great game developed by a single creator. Taking influence from the genre giant Metroid, Ghost Song is an atmospheric sci-fi journey that will appeal to fans of indie gaming. Players control the Deadsuit, who awakens on a lonely moon filled with strange creatures and lost survivors.

The game follows the Deadsuit’s journey of discovery, learning who they are and their place in the universe. While this isn’t a perfect game, Ghost Song offers a solid sci-fi experience. Boss fights pose a reasonable challenge, the game world is beautifully designed, and the narrative is simple yet engaging. Ghost Song is a fun Metroidvania that is well worth the time and is strongly recommended.

5 Grime

A Darkly Surreal Soulslike

• Metacritic Score: 81

Grime places players into a surrealist nightmare, controlling a being named The Vessel as they journey through a desolate and crumbling world. In the game, players will explore the large and intricate map, unlock new abilities, discover new items, and battle bizarre beings and horrific monsters. Like a number of more modern games in the Metroidvania genre, Grime takes its influence from Dark Souls, with tough boss battles and challenging levels.

While the game’s surreal nature and challenging difficulty may put off some players, genre fans will love this unique-looking game unlike any other on the market.

4 Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night

Spiritual Successor To Castlevania

• Metacritic Score: 83

Developed by the producer behind the classic Castlevania series, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a fun and challenging Metroidvania that will appeal to a wide audience of players. The game was a Kickstarter success story, raising millions from its eager fanbase.

Set in 18th-century England during the Industrial Revolution, the game takes players on a fantastical journey as Miriam as she battles the Guild and their summoned demons that are intent on destroying the country. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a fun adventure game that provides players with a deep level of customization through different weaponry and spells. Longtime Metroidvania fans will feel right at home in this spiritual successor to Castlevania that manages to feel both new and nostalgic.

3 Iconoclasts

A Colorful & Fun Game With Hidden Depth

• Metacritic Score: 83

Iconoclasts is another puzzle platformer created by a single developer. In the game, players control Robin, a bright and helpful unlicensed Mechanic who goes up against the controlling Authority known as The One Concern.

Players explore a large and vibrant world, defeating enemies and solving puzzles, as they unlock additional tools and meet various characters who help them on their journey. Much of the narrative and dialogue is told through text, which boasts strong characterization and a razor-sharp wit. Iconoclasts has a more linear style than many Metroidvanias. However, fans of the genre will love its engaging story, colorful world, and fun gameplay.

2 Ender Lilies: Quietus Of The Knights

An Atmospheric Metroidvania That Gets It Right

• Metacritic Score: 86

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is one of the strongest Metroidvanias on the market and is a must-play for genre fans. While the game does nothing to revolutionize the style, its often stunning world design, emotional storytelling, and fluid combat system make for an engaging and memorable experience.

In the game, players control Lily, the last priestess in a corrupted and cursed land. As players explore, they will discover and purify spirits, which are then called upon to help Lily in battle. Each spirit offers a different ability, which provides a wide range of tools players can use to progress. While the game offers little challenge to experienced players, Ender Lilies is an unforgettable Metroidvania that will please fans of the genre.

1 Hollow Knight

An Undisputed Genre Masterpiece

• Metacritic Score: 90

While Hollow Knight may not have started the Metroidvania genre, it certainly perfected it. In the game, players control The Knight, who wanders an ancient kingdom known as Hallownest. This crumbling land has been infected with a plague, and its local inhabitants are slowly losing their minds.

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The game is filled with an incredible atmosphere, and each level feels distinct and recognizable. Exploration is rewarded as the map slowly opens up, revealing hidden secrets around what feels like every corner. The soundtrack fits perfectly with the whimsical and melancholic visuals, while the combat is fluid and fun. Hollow Knight is a rare game that excels in every department, making it a must-have addition for indie gamers.

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